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THE FIVE YOUNG MEN (de)

Franciszek Kesy (22)

Francis Kesy was born in Berlin on the 13th November 1920. The family moved to Poznan for the father’s work. Francis was an aspirant at the Salesian minor seminary in Lad.

During the occupation, unable to continue his studies, he got work in a local industry. He spent his free time at the Oratory, where, in a close friendship of ideals with the other four, he led youth groups and activities.

People recall that he was sensitive, but at the same time happy, quiet, and good person, and was always ready to help others. Almost every day he went to communion; he said the rosary of an evening. “At Wronki, since I was alone in my cell” he wrote in a message to his family “I had time to think about myself. I promised to live differently, like Don Bosco told us, living to please the Lord and his Mother, Mary most holy. …I pray to the good God that all this tribulations will affect me and not you”.

Edward Klinik (23)

Edward Klinik was born in Bochum the 21st June 1919, timid and quiet, became much livelier once he came to the oratory. He was a systematic kind of student, responsible.

He stood out for being much involved in all kinds of activity, and gave the impression of being the more serious and deeper thinker of the group. He was arrested as the first from the Five; he was 20 then. In prison he wrote a 48-pages prayer book, which he used to pray with his friends.

Jarogniew Wojciechowski (20)

Jarogniew Wojciechowski was born in Poznan the 5th November 1922, was thoughtful, and would try to get an overall view of things to try to understand events. He was a leader in the best sense of the term. He stood out for his good humour, involvement and witness. When he was 11, his father left the family because of drunkenness. For financial reasons he dropped from secondary school, completed one-year vocational school and then worked at chemist’s.

Czeslaw Jozwiak (22)

Czeslaw Jozwiak was born in Lazynie, the 7th September 1919, could be hot-tempered, but spontaneous, full of energy, in control of himself, ready for sacrifice, consistent and positive. He aspired to Christian perfection and progress in it. He could tell lively historical stories for hours, what arouse interest among younger boys.

He was called “dad” in the oratory and was a real leader of the Five.

One of his prison mates wrote: “He had a good character and heart, and a soul like crystal… He confided in me concerning one of his worries: never to commit any kind of impurity”.

Edward Kazmierski (23)

Edward Kazmierski was born in Poznan on the 1st October 1919, was known for seriousness, prudence, goodness. At the age of 4, he lost his father, and therefore he was raised in poor material conditions. When he was a student, he was doing a casual job to help the family.He was able to develop his musical talent at the oratory. Thanks to the Salesians he learnt to play the piano, the accordion and the violin. The religious life of the family and when he was with the Salesians soon gave him a certain maturity. As he wanted to have a family, he often prayed for his future wife.

In prison he showed great love towards his older companions. He was free of any hatred for those who were persecuting him.